Mixed Martial Arts Death

I read for the first time about a death of a fighter after a mixed martial arts match. The fight occurred in South Carolina and was the debut fight for Michael Kirkham. Kirkham collapsed after his bout on Saturday night. The coroner indicated the cause of death as bleeding in the brain.

This should come as no surprise to anyone. These fighters are big and very strong, and they fight with limited padding on their hands to allow for grappling. Quite frankly, anyone could be killed by one punch or kick to the right spot on the head. MMA referees are typically quick to stop bouts, but I have seen plenty of punishment dished out before the ref steps in, particularly when one fighter is raining punches on his opponent from a full mounted, ground and pound position.

I suspect we will see a few more of these deaths going forward, and no one should ever be surprised if a top name fighter is killed.